Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab began a two-day working visit to Niger on September 21, 2026, at the request of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He is accompanied by several high-ranking officials from the Sonatrach group, including its president-director general, Nourredine Daoudi. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between Algeria and Niger in the energy sector, particularly in hydrocarbons.
The visit is part of the ongoing dynamic in Algerian-Nigerien relations, especially in the hydrocarbons sector. Arkab and his delegation will follow up on the progress of joint projects, including the trans-Saharan gas pipeline (TSGP) and exploration projects in the Kafra block. The TSGP project involves Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria and seeks to enhance regional energy integration and develop African gas infrastructure.
During his visit, Arkab will evaluate new oil blocks in Niger, including the Bilma block. He will also discuss the maintenance work at the Zinder refinery in Niger and explore opportunities to intensify cooperation in refining and petrochemicals. The Algerian delegation will hold talks with Nigerien officials on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and develop partnerships between specialized institutions.
The Algerian government has already started work on the Algerian section of the TSGP project in June 2026. Preparatory studies for the Nigerien section are ongoing. Arkab's visit will focus on the Nigerien section and discuss ways to move the project forward. The TSGP project is a strategic initiative that aims to connect the gas resources of Nigeria, Niger, and Algeria.
Arkab's discussions with Nigerien officials will cover various topics, including cooperation in hydrocarbons, partnership development, and project monitoring. The visit demonstrates Algeria's commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Niger and consolidating partnerships based on expertise exchange and energy resource valorization.
The visit is expected to enhance economic and energy integration between Algeria and Niger and contribute to regional development. Algeria and Niger have a long history of cooperation in the energy sector, and this visit aims to build on that foundation. The two countries have significant energy resources, and their cooperation can have a positive impact on the region.
The Algerian government's efforts to strengthen energy cooperation with Niger and other African countries align with its strategy to become a major player in the continent's energy market. The visit by Arkab and his delegation is a significant step in this direction, and its outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the region's energy landscape.
Key points
- Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab visits Niger to strengthen energy cooperation and follow up on joint projects.
- The visit aims to enhance cooperation in hydrocarbons, particularly in the trans-Saharan gas pipeline (TSGP) project and exploration projects in the Kafra block.
- The visit demonstrates Algeria's commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Niger and consolidating partnerships based on expertise exchange and energy resource valorization.
